Open Access

REVIEW

From Model Organism to Pharmaceutical Powerhouse: Innovative Applications of Yeast in Modern Drug Research

Xiaobing Li^1,2, Yongsheng Liu¹, Limin Wei¹, Li Rao¹, Jingxin Mao^1,*, Xuemei Li^3,*

1 Department of Science and Industry, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, 401331, China
2 School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
3 NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401122, China

* Corresponding Authors: Jingxin Mao. Email: ; Xuemei Li. Email:

BIOCELL 2025, 49(5), 813-832. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2025.062124

Received 10 December 2024; Accepted 24 February 2025; Issue published 27 May 2025

Abstract

Yeast-based models have become a powerful platform in pharmaceutical research, offering significant potential for producing complex drugs, vaccines, and therapeutic agents. While many current drugs were discovered before fully understanding their molecular mechanisms, yeast systems now provide valuable insights for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Recent advancements in genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology have improved the efficiency and scalability of yeast-based production systems, enabling more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. This paper reviews the latest developments in yeast-based technologies, focusing on their use as model organisms to study disease mechanisms, identify drug targets, and develop novel therapies. We highlight key platforms such as the yeast two-hybrid system, surface display technologies, and optimized expression systems. Additionally, we explore the future integration of yeast engineering with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and advanced genome editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, which are expected to accelerate drug discovery and enable personalized therapies. Furthermore, yeast-based systems are increasingly employed in large-scale drug production, vaccine development, and therapeutic protein expression, offering promising applications in clinical and industrial settings. This paper discusses the practical implications of these systems and their potential to revolutionize drug development, paving the way for safer, more effective therapies.

---

Keywords

---